Megan, formally of Cambridge Brewing Company, spent the better part of the year spreading the Bluejacket name by brewing collaborations with everyone from Cigar City in Florida, The Bruery and Stone in California to De Struise in Belgium–experience that Bluejacket won’t be quick to recreate. Bluejacket’s beers haven’t hit the DC craft beer scene with the storm that I predicted, but two or three of them have been truly outstanding.

As some form of replacement, Bluejacket hired Owen Miller, who is no stranger to brewing. While never spending any time as a head brewer, Miller is a Brown University biology graduate with experience working in Europe at De Struise and Thornbridge Brewery. The most exciting line on his resume, however, is as the number two brewer at Hill Farmstead in Vermont, a brewery that Paige highly recommends. Miller will join the Bluejacket brewing “team,” comprising Greg Engert (Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s beer expert), Josh Chapman (a former sous chef), and Bobby Bump (who got his brewing chops at Allagash). This team of minds will have to come together to fill the void left by Megan, as none of them will hold the title of head brewer.

Parting ways with the head brewer so soon after opening, especially considering the hefty up-front investment, is a concerning development and one that we will follow closely. Only time will tell if this is a step in the right direction for Bluejacket.

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Written by Russ Beck

Russ can trace his beginnings in craft beer to sitting in Zeno’s Pub in State College drinking various craft beer options from across Pennsylvania. Since then, he has never faltered in finding new brews, whether they’re rare, delicious, or hopefully both. Russ will be writing on a large variety of subjects, including but not limited to: reviews, homebrewing, and how to take labels off of beer bottles. He’ll drink just about anything, but prefers a nice Stout, IPA, or Weizenbock. Find Russ Beck on Google Plus